Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most photographed cenotes in Yucatán. This stunning open-air circular cenote, about 40 meters across, is surrounded by hanging vines and cascading greenery, and sits steps from Chichen Itza.
What to see
- Hanging roots and vines – that descend to the turquoise water.
- Cool, deep water – ideal for a swim after visiting the ruins.
- Carved staircases – leading down to the heart of the cenote.
Why it is special
Its postcard beauty and proximity to Chichen Itza make it the perfect stop to cool off after exploring the Wonder of the World.
How to visit
It is a few minutes from Chichén Itzá. Book your tour with Cancun Bay Tours with pickup at your hotel.
Useful links
Discover the cenotes near Chichén Itzá
Combine cenotes and Maya ruins on our Chichén Itzá and Valladolid tours.
Swimming in the cenote
A cenote swim at Ik Kil is the highlight for most visitors. This open-air sacred cenote sits about 26 m (85 ft) below ground level, ringed by hanging vines and a carved stone stairway down to the water. It’s deep enough that you can’t touch the bottom, so a life vest is provided and recommended for cenote swimming. Bring a swimsuit and use only biodegradable sunscreen. Ik Kil is just 3 km (about a 5-minute drive) from the ruins, which is why it pairs so naturally with a visit to the site. Want to combine both in one day? See our Chichén Itzá tour from Cancún, which includes a cenote swim.
Planning to see more of the region? Our guide to the Mayan ruins near Cancún covers Chichén Itzá, Tulum, Cobá and Ek Balam, with distances and the best tour for each.
The Ik Kil cenote is an open-air cenote about 3 km from Chichén Itzá, ringed by rock walls draped with vines and small waterfalls. Its closeness to the ruins makes the Ik Kil cenote the classic swim stop on a Chichén Itzá day, and most tour buses from Cancún and Playa del Carmen include a stop here.
How to visit
Open daily from 9am to 5pm, about 3 km from the archaeological site. Life vests and changing rooms are available. Entry is around $250 MXN for access only, or about $520 MXN with the buffet (2026, approximate and subject to change — check the current rate on site).
Combine it with Chichen Itza
Heading to Chichen Itza? Many of our tours include a cenote swim. See the Chichen Itza guide or book a tour with a cenote included.
